Learning that one of my favourite sushi chefs in Hong Kong has left Kishoku, I was relieved when I found out his new place, Sushi Gin, was finally ready! As I walked into the new restaurant in the same building, I recognize the faces of most of the Team who welcomed us. Chef Do has kept most of my old favourites from Kishoku but he has also taken inspirations from his long holiday in Japan to bring new elements to keep the meal interesting. I’m loving this place even better than the old Kishoku! Continue reading →

With this being the first food post of my blog, I want to tell you my number 1 restaurant experience to date. I loved my experience at Noma because it wasn’t just about the food (it was tasty of course); it was about how the restaurant was run.

Aside from learning how much creativity was valued from their innovation food lab, we also toured around a very warm and cosy dining area for the staff where they would have “family style dinner” before. The staff dinner would be cooked by their interns, of different nationalities, in order for the staff to continue to be inspired every day – how cool is that! Behind the perfectly orchestrated meal for us, I saw a team with shared passion but different talents, mutual respect, and deliberate efforts of continued learning. Humility and passion are what keep the top the top!

Hello world so here it is, the first post of Vivid Taste, commencing on the first day of 2016. Before we get into business, let’s set the tone right for the new year. What does 2016 mean for you? This is what it is for me.

– As she walked down the road that day, little did she know what was ahead –

When I looked back at 2015, it was a memory ball of mixed colours of gold, blue, purple, red and green. Joy, sadness, fear, anger and disgust were muddled up, yet each vividly real. I thank each and every one of you who has made me laugh, cry or learn, whether you are a dear friend or just a passer-by. Inevitably some of these memories had been vacuumed into the dump as the old year turned, many more would remain as core memory balls for years to come. I want to share with you a little piece from this core memory ball today –

While most of us have gotten used to immediate pain relief and would do anything to minimize sadness, it is easy to forget that life itself is a pie mixed with good and bad slices. Pain is inevitable. But happiness is a choice, happiness needs to be cultivated.

For those having a good slice, extend love and encouragement to those around you to make their bad slices more tolerable.

For those having a bad slice, extend love and encouragement anyway – because it will give you a sense of worth and purpose. Grow from the pain and emerge with stronger character and maturity. Ultimately, these things will bring about happiness. “Happiness is not about having a perfect life but about using tears to water tolerance, losses to refine patience, failures to carve serenity, pain to lapidate pleasure, obstacles to open the windows of intelligence.” (Pope Francis)

Most important of all, do not lose hope. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) You do not know what lies ahead but that’s ok – this hope will carry you through.

Happy New Year everyone – remember this energy, this hope you feel today; and live it out in the next 364 days! ❤